PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE APPLAUDS LIFE SENTENCE FOR 82-YEAR-OLD RAPIST
- themarathonnews03
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
By: Neo Ntsele
An 82-year-old sexual predator who targeted a young girl will spend the rest of his life in prison after receiving a life sentence from the Bloemfontein regional court.
On Wednesday, 19 August 2026, Barend van der Berg from Petrusburg in the Free State was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of an 8-year-old child.
Van Der Berg was sentenced exactly two years after Premier Letsoha-Mathae and MEC Jabu Mbalula visited Petrusburg on 19 August 2024, when the allegations against him first emerged.
Van Der Berg enticed his victim to his house with food and then abused the defenceless girl, sometimes in front of other children.
His crimes were uncovered when a teacher at the victim’s school noticed the little girl was unusually withdrawn.
A social worker was then assigned to speak with the girl, who disclosed that Van Der Berg would lure her to his house with promises of food and swimming in his pool.
The courageous girl also informed her teacher that Van Der Berg would "steeka haar," and when asked to clarify, she demonstrated, indicating he had sexually assaulted her.
Van Der Berg received a life sentence for rape, 15 years for sexual exploitation, and four years for making a child witness a sexual act.
His name was also added to the register for sexual offenders.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated that Van Der Berg exploited the vulnerability of children to fulfil his sexual desires.
“Petrusburg is an impoverished area, and that disgraceful man exploited the suffering of our people for his twisted, selfish sexual needs. At 82, he knew the difference between right and wrong. He used his privilege to prey on poor, defenceless children. I am pleased he will spend the rest of his life in prison,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
The Premier also expressed gratitude to the police for their thorough investigation.
“The police built a strong case that ensured this man was convicted.
I also want to thank the teachers who noticed something was wrong with the victim and alerted the social workers. Finally, I want to thank the National Prosecuting Authority for a successful prosecution that resulted in life imprisonment,” she said.
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